Promise Me Forever (Debbie Macomber Classics) Read Online Free PDF Page A

tell where Sloan got his compelling features. Father and son were a lot alike.
    “It’s only fair to tell you how pleased my wife and I are that you’ve agreed to take on Sloan’s case.”
    “I think I’m the lucky one. I’ve never had the pleasure of working in such elegant surroundings.”
    “Yes, well …” The older man cleared his throat. “We want you to know we appreciate what you’ve done.”
    “I haven’t done anything yet,” Joy admitted wryly. “But part of your son’s recovery will depend on you.”
    “Anything.” He rubbed a hand across his face, his eyes tired.
    “Part of Sloan’s therapy will be mental as well as physical. He’s got to be brought back into life, given responsibilities.” She hesitated and leaned forward slightly so that her elbows rested on her knees. “Your wife mentioned that you’ve assumed Sloan’s job in the company since the accident. In some ways this is good, but the time has come for you to return those duties to your son.”
    “How do you mean?”
    “Decision-making, paperwork. These are things that can be done from the house. At least come to Sloan when a decision needs to be made. Part of the problem with your son is that he feels useless. Prove to him he’s needed.”
    “He is,” Myron returned forcefully.
    “Don’t overpower him,” she suggested. “Start with updates and reports that will keep him in tune with what’s happening. Then gradually lead into the other matters. I don’t know that much about your business, but I’m sure you’ll know how to approach this.” Dr. Phelps had told her that the Whittakers owned a ski-equipment company. Joy had never skied, but from Sloan’s home and lifestyle, it was easy to see the business had been a profitable one.
    Myron Whittaker looked down, but not before his dark eyes conveyed the toll of the last months. “I’m not sure of anything anymore.”
    “Your son’s going to be fine, Mr. Whittaker.” She leaned forward and gave the elder Whittaker’s clenched fist a reassuring pat. “He’s strong-willed and determined.”
    Tears glistened in the proud man’s gaze. He closed his eyes and gripped her hand with his own.
    “My, my, isn’t this a touching scene.” Sloan wheeled into the room. “My physical therapist? Honestly, Father, I think you’re lowering your standards unnecessarily.”
    Myron Whittaker sprang to his feet, his face twisted with rage. “You will apologize for that remark.”
    Joy’s gaze swiveled from father to son. Sloan’s hands gripped the wheels of his chair until his knuckles were white. His mouth was slanted and scornful.
    “Wheelchair or no wheelchair, I won’t have a son of mine make that kind of suggestion.”
    “Mr. Whittaker, please.” Joy could feel the hot color explode in her face. “This isn’t necessary.”
    “It most certainly is,” he barked.
    How often Joy had heard that same tone of voice. Father and son shared more than looks.
    Sloan’s hard gaze hadn’t relented. “I regret the implication,” he managed between clenched teeth.
    “If you’ll excuse me.” Joy hurriedly left the room. Her heart felt as if she’d completed a marathon as she let herself into her quarters. Her hands shook as she slipped into her swimsuit. Her earlier decision to get out, go to a movie, anything, had been a good one. Sloan Whittaker was getting to her. Keeping a cool head with this man was essential to success.
    When she slipped out of her room and into the hall, she could hear the angry exchange between Sloan and his father. Joy wanted to shout at them both. Arguing would solve nothing.She bit into her bottom lip tightly and moved outside.
    Paul was lounging in a chair by the pool when she came out. “Morning,” he said. “How’s it going?”
    Joy rolled her eyes expressively, and Paul laughed. “He’s really something, isn’t he?”
    “You can say that.” Her relationship with the other staff members had relaxed considerably. Almost everyone